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Comcast Dishing Up $10 Internet Service for Low Income Families

Paul Lilly
Aug 08, 2011

Page 1 of 10

When Comcast scooped up NBC Universal earlier this year, regulatory officials made the Internet service provider promise to boost its broadband coverage to include 2.5 million low income households at a price of less than $10 per month (among many other
conditions - PDF
). Comcast is making good on that promise by rolling out its Internet Essentials program, which offers high-speed Internet to qualifying families for $9.95.

The only additional fee comes in the form of tax, otherwise there aren't any hidden 'gotchas' like activation fees or equipment rental charges. Customers need not worry about price increases, either. All potential customers need concern themselves with is whether or not they qualify, of which Comcast lists a handful of conditions, including:

Be located where Comcast offers Internet service

Have at least one child receiving free school lunches through the National School Lunch Program

Have not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days

Not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment

Those who qualify have the option of purchasing at "netbook-style laptop computer" at initial enrollment for $150. The Internet Essentials service offers up to 1.5Mbps download and up to 384Kbps upload speeds and comes with "access to free training -- online, in print, and in person." Finally, Symantec's Norton Security Suite is also part of the deal.

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